Anamorphic photography and squeeze ratios for digital imagers

ABSTRACT

A digital camera comprising a digital image sensor and at least one corrective lens element configured to reduce a blurring of an image in a horizontal or vertical dimension on the digital image sensor. The digital image sensor may be larger than a 28 millimeter diagonal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/748,644 filed Jan. 21, 2020, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,086,109, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/642,260 filed Jul. 5, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,539,764,which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Anamorphic camera systems have been utilized to capture a widescreenaspect ratio on film that has a smaller aspect ratio, such as standard35 mm film. For example, in the standard Panavision anamorphic system, awidescreen image having an aspect ratio of 2.4:1 is compressed in ahorizontal dimension by a factor of 2, to be captured on 35 mm film atan aspect ratio of 1.2:1. The horizontal compression allows a higherresolution image to be stored on 35 mm film than would otherwise beallowed if a 2.4:1 aspect ratio were stored on 35 mm film. Anamorphiclens elements are used to compress the original image to be stored onfilm, and are then used to expand the image again for projection in acinema or the like.

With the expanded use of digital camera systems, further developments toanamorphic systems are required to address the needs of such digitalcamera systems. In addition, modifications to the anamorphic compressionratio are needed to address the aspect ratios utilized by digitalimaging sensors.

SUMMARY

The systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein are intended toprovide for improved anamorphic systems for use with digital camerasystems. In addition, modifications to the anamorphic compression ratiodisclosed herein address the aspect ratios provided by digital imagingsensors.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera comprisinga digital image sensor and a lens group positioned along an opticalaxis. The lens group includes at least one anamorphic lens elementconfigured to compress an image in a horizontal or vertical dimension;at least one powered lens element positioned between the at least oneanamorphic lens element and the digital image sensor; and at least onecorrective lens element positioned between the at least one powered lenselement and the digital image sensor, and configured to reduce ablurring of the image in the horizontal or vertical dimension on thedigital image sensor or decomposition the image in the horizontal orvertical dimension to substantially equalize the image quality in thehorizontal and vertical dimension.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera systemcomprising a digital image sensor including an optical low pass filter.The system includes at least one anamorphic lens element configured tocompress an image in a horizontal or vertical dimension. The systemincludes at least one corrective lens element configured to bepositioned along an optical axis between the at least one anamorphiclens element and the optical low pass filter, and configured to reduce ablurring of the image in the horizontal or vertical dimension on thedigital image sensor caused by the optical low-pass filter.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera systemcomprising at least one anamorphic lens element configured to compressan image in a horizontal or vertical dimension by a squeeze ratio ofapproximately 1.29. The system includes a digital image sensorconfigured to receive the image compressed by the at least oneanamorphic lens element.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera systemcomprising at least one anamorphic lens element configured to compressan image in a horizontal or vertical dimension. A digital image sensormay be configured to receive the image compressed by the at least oneanamorphic lens element. At least one corrective lens element mayinclude an anti-aliasing feature and is configured to be positionedalong an optical axis with the at least one anamorphic lens element andthe digital image sensor, and configured to reduce a blurring of theimage in the horizontal or vertical dimension on the digital imagesensor caused by the decomposition of the image in the horizontal orvertical dimension. The reduction of blurring may equalize a quality ofthe image in the horizontal and vertical dimension.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera systemcomprising a digital image sensor including an anti-aliasing filter. Atleast one anamorphic lens element is configured to compress an image ina horizontal or vertical dimension. At least one corrective lens elementis configured to be positioned along an optical axis between the atleast one anamorphic lens element and the anti-aliasing filter, andconfigured to reduce a blurring of the image in the horizontal orvertical dimension on the digital image sensor caused by thedecomposition of the image in the horizontal or vertical dimension. Thereduction of blurring may equalize a quality of the image in thehorizontal and vertical dimension.

In one embodiment, the application discloses a digital camera systemcomprising at least one anamorphic lens element configured to compressan image in a horizontal or vertical dimension. A digital image sensoris configured to receive the image compressed by the at least oneanamorphic lens element. One or more of a toroidal lens element or ananti-aliasing feature may be configured to be positioned along anoptical axis between the at least one anamorphic lens element and thedigital image sensor. In one embodiment, the toroidal lens element mayinclude an anti-aliasing filter.

In one embodiment, the digital camera system may be used as part of, orcombination with, a mobile electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods asdisclosed herein will become appreciated as the same become betterunderstood with reference to the specification, claims, and appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a camera capturing an image of anobject on film.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of blurring using a spherical lens element.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of blurring using an anamorphic lenselement.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a representation of a modulationtransfer function (MTF).

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a camera capturing an image of anobject on film, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of at least one corrective lenselement, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of optics of a digital camera, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of use of a 1.29 squeeze ratio, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a camera 10 utilizing ananamorphic process to capture an image of an object 12 on film 14.Anamorphic processes have been used in film applications, namely inmotion picture and television filming, to provide a widescreen imagecapture, yet also enhance the use of the imaging area of a film. Ananamorphic process includes compressing the image in a horizontaldimension, or a vertical dimension, to reduce the aspect ratio of theimage as it is stored on film. During the projection of the imaged filmat a later time, a reverse process is used to expand the image in thehorizontal or vertical dimension, to reproduce the original uncompressedimage.

An anamorphic process has been used to capture images in a systemreferred to as Ultra Panavision, which may include 65 millimeter (mm)film. The Ultra Panavision system includes a camera 10 having ananamorphic lens group 16, a powered lens group 18, and may include 65 mmfilm 14 for storing the images. The anamorphic lens group 16 includes aplurality of anamorphic lens elements 22. The anamorphic lens elements22 are configured to compress the image in a dimension, which may be ahorizontal or vertical dimension, by a squeeze ratio of between 1.19 to1.30, which may include a ratio of 1.25, or 1.255. The squeeze ratio isthe ratio of the uncompressed image aspect ratio to the compressed imageaspect ratio. The anamorphic lens elements 22 may comprise a weaknegative afocal system. The anamorphic lens elements 22 may comprisecylindrical lens elements, and/or prism lens elements to produce thecompression in the horizontal or vertical dimension. The anamorphic lenselements 22 may include an astigmatizer, which may be similar to thevariable astigmatizer disclosed in Wallin, Anamorphosing System, U.S.Pat. No. 2,890,622, issued Jun. 16, 1959, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference. The variable astigmatizer mayutilize weak counter-rotating cylinders (e.g., one positive and onenegative, or both positive, or both negative) that balance out the axialfocus position of the powered and non-powered axes when effectuatingfocus.

The powered lens group 18 may include spherical lens elements 24 thatconverge and/or diverge the afocal image produced by the anamorphic lensgroup 16. The powered lens group 18 may be utilized to effectuate focusof the image. The powered lens group 18 may operate in a similar mannerand include similar elements as the focusing lens disclosed in Wallin,U.S. Pat. No. 2,890,622. The powered lens group 18 may be positionedalong an optical axis 26 between the anamorphic lens group 16 and thefilm 14.

The 65 mm film 14 includes an imaging area having a width in ahorizontal or vertical dimension of approximately 48.62 mm, and a heightin a respective corresponding vertical or horizontal dimension ofapproximately 22.10 mm. The aspect ratio of the film 14 is approximately2.20:1. The squeeze ratio of 1.25, or 1.255, allows the system tocapture an image with an aspect ratio of approximately 2.76:1 on filmhaving an aspect ratio of 2.20:1. The original widescreen aspect ratioof 2.76:1 is reproduced during projection of the imaged film at a latertime. The image quality of the 65 mm film, in combination with the2.76:1 widescreen aspect ratio, provides an enhanced viewing experiencerelative to standard widescreen images seen at most cinemas.

An anamorphic process used with digital cameras, has been found toproduce problems not typically found with normal film emulsion capture.The problems may be present with large format digital cameras, smallformat digital cameras, and a variety of lesser and greater sizeddigital cameras (e.g., any size format). The problems may be present forcameras sized for use with mobile electronic devices such as mobilephones, smartphones, small digital cameras, music players, among others.The mobile electronic devices may include a combination of a digitalcamera and another feature (such as a phone and internet web browserwith a smartphone). The use of a digital image sensor in digital camerasproduces undesired blurring of the image, particularly in the dimensionof anamorphic compression. Digital image sensors may include an opticallow-pass filter having supporting filters that the chief ray andassociated bundle must pass through, causing an overcorrection/undercorrection of the normal image correction provided by the camera optics.The filter pack within the camera may overcorrect axial aberrations andundercorrect transverse aberrations. The blurring in the horizontaldimension may include spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the blurring occurring in a digitalcamera using a spherical lens element 28. The spherical lens element 28compresses the original image, however, any blurring is uniformthroughout the image as it is imaged on the digital image sensor.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of the blurring occurring in a digitalcamera using an anamorphic lens element 30, namely a cylindrical lenselement, configured to compress the image in a horizontal or verticaldimension 32. The elements of the digital image sensor produce enhancedblurring of the image in the horizontal or vertical dimension ofanamorphic compression.

The digital image sensor may include a filter. The filter may include ananti-aliasing filter, an optical low-pass filter, or another form offilter. The anti-aliasing filter may comprise an optical low-passfilter. The anti-aliasing filter, and other forms of filter, may includeand is not limited to a birefringent material. The aforementionedfilters are unique to digital cameras, because unlike film cameras theimage gets divided up into pixels on the image sensor. The filterspecifically prevents any spatial frequencies not resolvable by thepixels on the sensor, which is essential to prevent common digital imageartifacts. The filter, which may comprise a birefringent material, incombination with the disproportionate magnification in the dimension ofanamorphic compression of the image, may result in a modulation transferfunction (MTF) of the dimension of anamorphic compression compared tothe orthogonal vertical or horizontal dimension that is reduced by afactor of the squeeze ratio. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary MTF in adimension without anamorphic compression, which would be lesser in thedimension of anamorphic compression. Accordingly, the image is blurredin the dimension of anamorphic compression on the digital image sensorto a greater amount than the blurring in the corresponding orthogonalvertical or horizontal dimension. In an embodiment in which theanamorphic compression is in the horizontal dimension, the resultingimage is not as sharp horizontally as it is vertically.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a digital camera designed to addressthe blurring in the dimension of anamorphic compression produced by thedigital image sensor 38. The digital camera 36 may include the digitalimage sensor 38, an anamorphic lens group 16, a powered lens group 18,and a corrective lens group 40.

The digital image sensor 38 may include an active imaging area 42 and afilter 44, which may comprise an anti-aliasing filter, which may be anoptical low-pass filter. In other embodiments, other forms of filters,and anti-aliasing filters may be utilized. In one embodiment, theanti-aliasing filter may comprise a birefringent material. In oneembodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may be configured as a digitalsensor with greater than about 2K resolution, and in an exampleembodiment is a 4K resolution digital sensor, although in otherembodiments lesser (2k) or greater resolution (e.g., greater than 4K,such as 8K and greater) may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment,the digital image sensor 38 may have a Digital 65 format. The digitalcamera 36 may allow for the optics of a film camera to be applied to adigital image sensor 38. The optics of the digital camera 36 may capturean image having a size of approximately 48.62 mm by 22.1 mm, as with 65mm film, yet at a 4k digital resolution.

In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may be configured to havean active imaging area 42 that is approximately equal to the 48.62 mm by22.1 mm format of 65 mm film, or greater in area than the format of 65mm film. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may beconfigured to have an active imaging area with a width along thehorizontal or vertical dimension that is greater than 35 mm. In oneembodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may be configured to have anactive imaging area with a width along the horizontal or verticaldimension that is greater than 50 mm. In one embodiment, the digitalimage sensor 38 may be configured to have an active imaging area with awidth along the horizontal or vertical dimension that is betweenapproximately 50 mm and 70 mm. In one embodiment, the digital imagesensor 38 may have an active imaging area 42 with a width along thehorizontal or vertical dimension that is greater than about 28 mm. Inone embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may have an active imagingarea 42 with a width along the horizontal or vertical dimension that isgreater than about 29 mm. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38may have an active imaging area 42 with a width along the horizontal orvertical dimension that is greater than about 16 mm. In one embodiment,the digital image sensor 38 may have an active imaging area 42 with awidth along the horizontal or vertical dimension that is greater thanabout 8 mm. In one embodiment, a greater or lesser size of digital imagesensor 38 may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may be configured to havean active imaging area with a height along the vertical or horizontaldimension that is greater than about 20 mm. In one embodiment, thedigital image sensor 38 may be configured to have an active imaging areawith a height along the vertical or horizontal dimension that is greaterthan about 30 mm. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may beconfigured to have an active imaging area with a height along thevertical or horizontal dimension that is between approximately 25 mm and35 mm. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor may be configured tohave an active imaging area with a height along the vertical orhorizontal dimension that is greater than about 14 mm.

In one embodiment, the digital image sensor may be configured to have anactive imaging area with a length along a diagonal that is greater than28 mm. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor may be configured tohave an active imaging area with a length along a diagonal that isgreater than 12.52 mm. In one embodiment, the digital image sensor maybe configured to have an active imaging area with a length along adiagonal that is greater than 5.79 mm. In one embodiment, the digitalimage sensor may be configured to have an active imaging area with alength along a diagonal that is less than 8 mm. Such digital imagesensors may be utilized with mobile electronic devices, which mayinclude mobile phones, smartphones, small digital cameras, musicplayers, and others. The mobile electronic devices may include acombination of the digital camera and another feature (such as a phoneand internet web browser with a smartphone). The digital image sensormay be configured to have an active imaging area with a length along adiagonal that is less than 7 mm. The digital image sensor may beconfigured to have an active imaging area with a length along a diagonalthat is less than 6 mm. The digital image sensor may be configured tohave an active imaging area with a length along a diagonal that is lessthan 5 mm. The digital image sensor may be configured to have an activeimaging area with a length along a diagonal that is less than 4.5 mm.The digital image sensor may be configured to have an active imagingarea with a length along a diagonal that is less than 3 mm. The digitalimage sensor may be configured to have an active imaging area with alength along a diagonal that is less than 2 mm. In one embodiment, thedigital image sensor may be configured to have an active imaging areawith a length along a diagonal that greater than 1.5 mm. In oneembodiment, the digital image sensor may be configured to have an activeimaging area with a length along a diagonal that between than 1.5 mm and8 mm. In other embodiments, lesser or greater lengths along diagonalsmay be utilized.

In one embodiment, the digital image sensor 38 may be configured to havean aspect ratio of approximately 2.2:1. In one embodiment, the digitalimage sensor 38 may be configured to have an aspect ratio of betweenapproximately 1.33:1 to 1.9:1. In one embodiment, the digital imagesensor may be configured to have an aspect ratio of betweenapproximately a 1.9:1 aspect ratio to no greater than a 2.76:1 aspectratio. In one embodiment, the heights and widths of the digital imagesensor 38 may be combined or varied to different (greater or lesser)aspect ratios as desired. In one embodiment, greater than a 1.2:1 aspectratio may be utilized. Large format digital image sensors 38 may beutilized, however, in other embodiments, other formats of digital imagesensors 38 may be used as desired (e.g., small formats for mobileelectronic devices). The filter 44 may comprise a single layer or typeof material, or multiple layers or types of material.

The anamorphic lens group 16 may be configured similarly as theanamorphic lens group 16 discussed in regard to FIG. 1. The anamorphiclens group 16 may include a plurality of anamorphic lens elements, ormay include at least one anamorphic lens element 22. The at least oneanamorphic lens element 22 may be configured to compress an image in thehorizontal or vertical dimension. The anamorphic lens group 16 may beconfigured be integral with the remainder of the lens group, or may beconfigured to be detachable. In an embodiment in which the lens group 16is detachable, the digital camera 36 may be configured to alter betweenanamorphic capture modes and non-anamorphic capture modes. In oneembodiment, the at least one anamorphic lens element 22 may comprise apart of an anamorphic lens attachment, such as the shell that referencenumber 16 points to in FIG. 5. The anamorphic lens attachment maydetachably couple to the powered lens group 18 and the corrective lensgroup 40, and accordingly the body of the camera 36.

The powered lens group 18 may be configured similarly as the poweredlens group 18 discussed in regard to FIG. 1. The powered lens group 18may include a plurality of powered lens elements 24, or may include atleast one powered lens element 24. The powered lens elements 24 mayinclude spherical lens elements. The spherical lens elements may beconfigured to vary the magnification of the image from the anamorphiclens group 16 in all dimensions. The powered lens group 18 may bepositioned between the at least one anamorphic lens element 22 and thedigital image sensor 38. The powered lens group 18 may be configured beintegral with the remainder of the lens group, or may be configured tobe detachable in a similar manner as discussed in regard to theanamorphic lens group 16 (e.g., via a powered lens attachment such asthe shell marked as reference number 18 in FIG. 5).

The corrective lens group 40 may be positioned between the powered lensgroup 18 and the digital image sensor 38. The corrective lens group 40may be placed along the optical axis 26 with the anamorphic lens group16, the powered lens group 18, and the digital image sensor 38. Thecorrective lens group 40 may include at least one corrective lenselement 48 that is configured to reduce a blurring of the image in thedimension of anamorphic compression on the digital image sensor 38, orconfigured to decomposition the image in the corresponding orthogonalhorizontal or vertical dimension to bring the performance in thedimension of anamorphic compression and the corresponding orthogonalhorizontal or vertical dimension to unity, or to substantially equalizethe image quality in the two orthogonal dimensions. The corrective lensgroup 40 may be configured to reduce a blurring of the image in thehorizontal or vertical dimension on the digital image sensor caused bythe decomposition of the image in the horizontal or vertical dimension.The reduction of blurring may substantially equalize the quality of theimage in the horizontal or vertical dimension. The reduction of blurringmay account for the format of the digital image sensor 38. Thecorrective lens group 40 may be positioned as an image side lens grouprelative to the anamorphic lens group 16, and may serve as a rear opticgroup comprising the last set of optics prior to the digital imagesensor 38. The corrective lens group 40 may be configured to be integralwith the remainder of the lens group, or may be configured to bedetachable in a similar manner as discussed in regard to the anamorphiclens group 16 (e.g., via a corrective lens attachment such as the shellmarked as reference number 40 in FIG. 5). In an embodiment in which thelens group 16 and corrective lens group 40 are detachable, the digitalcamera 36 may be configured to alter between anamorphic capture modesand non-anamorphic capture modes.

The at least one corrective lens element 48 may comprise a weakcompensator that serves to equalize the asymmetrical blurring caused bythe digital image sensor 38, which may include the blurring caused bythe filter 44. In one embodiment, the at least one corrective lenselement 48 may comprise a cylindrical lens element, which may be atoroidal lens element. The at least one corrective lens element 48 maybe self-contained and self-cancelling, yet provide a cylindrical power.The cylindrical lens element may be configured to offset thedisproportionate convolution of the image MTF between the dimension ofanamorphic compression and the corresponding orthogonal horizontal orvertical dimension when imaged through a birefringent optical low-passfilter 44. In one embodiment, the power of the cylindrical lens elementmay be dependent on the power provided by the at least one anamorphiclens element 22. Front and rear cylindrical groups may be dependent oneach other for optical corrections at the desired large format. As such,the at least one corrective lens element 48 may operate in combinationwith, and may be dependent on, the at least one anamorphic lens element22. The rear cylindrical lens element may be configured to correct thespherical aberration, coma, field curvature, and astigmatism caused bythe filter 44, which may be an anti-aliasing filter.

In one embodiment, the at least one corrective lens element 48 maycomprise an anti-aliasing feature. The anti-aliasing feature maycomprise a birefringent material. A birefringent material withoutanti-aliasing properties may be used in other embodiments. Thebirefringent material may have an orientation within the corrective lensgroup 40 that serves to reduce the asymmetrical blurring caused by thedigital image sensor 38, which may include the blurring caused by thefilter 44. The birefringent material may be configured to balance outthe asymmetrical blurring by providing a calculated amount of imagedecomposition, which may be a function of the squeeze ratio. A singlelayer or type of birefringent material, or multiple layers or types ofbirefringent material may be utilized as desired. The birefringentmaterial may be configured to correct the spherical aberration, coma,field curvature, and astigmatism caused by the filter 44.

In one embodiment, the at least one corrective lens element 48 mayinclude a combination of a cylindrical lens element, such as a toroidallens element, and an anti-aliasing feature such as a birefringentmaterial. In one embodiment, the corrective lens group 40 may beconfigured as a group of adaptive optics positioned on the image side ofthe anamorphic lens group 16. In one embodiment, the anamorphic lensgroup 16 may be configured as a cylindrical lens group that operates incombination with the adaptive optics of the corrective lens group 40.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the at least one corrective lenselement 48 comprising an anti-aliasing feature such as birefringentmaterial 48 a. The birefringent material in one embodiment may comprisequartz, although in other embodiments, a different material may beutilized as desired. The birefringent material may be orientedorthogonal to the powered dimension. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment ofthe at least one corrective lens element 48 comprising a cylindricallens element, which may be a toroidal lens element 48 b. The toroidallens element may comprise a weak toroidal surface facing the object sideof the corrective lens group 40.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the optics of the digital camera 36before and after correction by the at least one corrective lens element48. Blurring in the dimension of anamorphic compression is reduced. Inone embodiment, post production anti-aliasing processing, or other formsof anti-aliasing processing after capture of the images, may beperformed on the resulting images.

The anamorphic lens group 16, the powered lens group 18, and thecorrective lens group 40 may in combination comprise a lens group thatis positioned along an optical axis 26. The anamorphic lens group 16,and the corrective lens group 40 may operate on front and rear sides ofthe powered lens group 18.

In one embodiment, the squeeze ratio of the anamorphic lens group 16 maybe 2, for example in an embodiment in which the standard 2.4:1Panavision widescreen aspect ratio is desired (for a captured 1.2:1aspect ratio). In one embodiment, the squeeze ratio of the anamorphiclens group 16 may be set to approximately 1.34, for example in anembodiment in which a captured 1.78 aspect ratio is desired, in a mannerdescribed in Miyagishima et al., Anamorphic Three-Perforation ImagingSystem, U.S. Pat. No. 7,148,947, issued Dec. 12, 2006, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In oneembodiment, the squeeze ratio of the anamorphic lens group 16 may bevaried as desired.

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the squeeze ratio of theanamorphic lens group 16 a may be varied by about 3% of 1.25, or 1.255,to provide an anamorphic lens group 16 b having a squeeze ratio ofapproximately 1.29. In one embodiment, the 3% adjustment may be achievedby introducing or enhancing the size of an air gap between the frontelement of the anamorphic lens group 16 b and the astigmatizers.

The 1.29 squeeze ratio may be utilized with both a Digital 65 digitalimage sensor, as well as a Super 35 digital image sensor. In anembodiment in which a Digital 65 digital image sensor is used, thechange in compression ratio may be essentially negligible as it iswithin the compression ratio tolerances that already exist in theanamorphic lens group 16 b, for example within the astigmatizers.Accordingly, a 2.76:1 aspect ratio may still result upon expansion.

In an embodiment in which a Super 35 digital image sensor is used, the1.29 squeeze ratio allows a 2.4:1 image to be captured at a 1.78:1aspect ratio, with only an approximately 4% loss of use of the activeimage area. The entire width of the sensor may be used, which allows fora true 4k resolution hybrid 2.4:1 aspect ratio anamorphic scan. This maybe an improvement over traditional anamorphic capture at a squeeze ratioof 2, which is currently limited to a 2k resolution.

The captured 1.78 aspect ratio (Super 35), or the captured 2.20 aspectratio (Digital 65) may be converted to alternative desired aspect ratiosin the manner described in Miyagishima et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,148,947.

In one embodiment, a squeeze ratio of between approximately 1.25 to 1.8may be utilized. In one embodiment, a squeeze ratio of betweenapproximately 1.3 to 1.8 may be utilized. In one embodiment, greater orlesser squeeze ratios may be utilized. Any of the squeeze ratiosdisclosed herein may be utilized with a digital image sensor configuredto receive the image ranging from a 1.33:1 to 1.9:1 aspect ratio, orfrom a 1.9:1 aspect ratio to no greater than a 2.76:1 aspect ratio. Inone embodiment, greater than a 1.2:1 aspect ratio may be utilized.

The squeeze ratios disclosed herein may be used with an anamorphic lensgroup 16 or a powered lens group 18 as disclosed herein, and may be usedwith a corrective lens group 40 as disclosed herein. The squeeze ratiosdisclosed herein may be used with a digital image sensor 38 as disclosedherein. The size of the digital image sensor and active imaging area ofthe sensor may have a size as disclosed herein. The digital image sensormay be utilized in combination with or as part of a mobile electronicdevice.

The processes disclosed herein of capturing an image at a squeeze ratiomay be practiced as a method within the scope of this application. Inaddition, use of the at least one corrective lens element 48 disclosedherein may be practiced as a method within the scope of thisapplication. Other methods disclosed herein may be practiced within thescope of this application. In addition, the at least one corrective lenselement 48, separate or in combination with other of the opticsdisclosed herein may comprise a standalone feature within the scope ofthis application.

The embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized as part of, or incombination with, a mobile electronic device. The digital camera, anddigital camera system, may comprise a digital camera and digital camerasystem for a mobile electronic device.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofsystems, apparatuses, and methods as disclosed herein, which is definedsolely by the claims. Accordingly, the systems, apparatuses, and methodsare not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods are describedherein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying outthe same. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for thesystems, apparatuses, and methods to be practiced otherwise thanspecifically described herein. Accordingly, the systems, apparatuses,and methods include all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the systems, apparatuses,and methods unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the systems,apparatuses, and methods are not to be construed as limitations. Eachgroup member may be referred to and claimed individually or in anycombination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipatedthat one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from,a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any suchinclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain thegroup as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses an approximation that may vary. The terms“approximate[ly]” and “substantial[ly]” represent an amount that mayvary from the stated amount, yet is capable of performing the desiredoperation or process discussed herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the systems, apparatuses, and methods (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performedin any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwiseclearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, orexemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merelyto better illuminate the systems, apparatuses, and methods and does notpose a limitation on the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methodsotherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the systems, apparatuses, and methods. Thesepublications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to thefiling date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should beconstrued as an admission that the inventors are not entitled toantedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any otherreason. All statements as to the date or representation as to thecontents of these documents is based on the information available to theapplicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctnessof the dates or contents of these documents.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A lens system for use with a digital camera, thelens system comprising: an anamorphic lens group configured to compressan image; and a corrective lens group configured to improve the qualityof the compressed image.
 22. The lens system of claim 21, wherein thecorrective lens group is configured to improve the quality of thecompressed image in the direction of compression.
 23. The lens system ofclaim 21, wherein corrective lens group is configured to improve thequality of the compressed image on a digital image sensor.
 24. The lenssystem of claim 21, wherein the corrective lens group comprises at leastone of an anti-aliasing feature or a toroidal lens element.
 25. The lenssystem of claim 24, wherein the anti-aliasing feature comprises abirefringent material.
 26. The lens system of claim 21, wherein thecorrective lens group is configured to be positioned along an opticalaxis with the anamorphic lens group.
 27. The lens system of claim 21further comprising a powered lens group configured to receive thecompressed image produced by the anamorphic lens group.
 28. The lenssystem of claim 27, wherein the powered lens group is interposed betweenthe anamorphic lens group and the corrective lens group.
 29. The lenssystem of claim 21, wherein the anamorphic lens group is configured tocompress the image by a squeeze ratio between about 1.25 to 1.8.
 30. Adigital camera comprising a digital image sensor, digital cameracomprising: a lens system including an anamorphic lens group and acorrective lens group in an axial axis of the anamorphic lens group;wherein the anamorphic lens group is configured to compress an image,and the corrective lens group is configured to improve the quality ofthe compressed image in a direction of compression as captured by thedigital image sensor.
 31. The digital camera of claim 30, wherein theanamorphic lens group is configured to compress the image in ahorizontal or vertical dimension.
 32. The digital camera of claim 30,wherein the digital image sensor comprises an anti-aliasing filter. 33.The digital camera of claim 30, wherein the anamorphic lens group isconfigured to compress the image by a squeeze ratio between about 1.25to 1.8.
 34. The digital camera of claim 30, wherein the corrective lensgroup is configured to reduce a blurring of the compressed image. 35.The digital camera of claim 30, further comprising a powered lens groupinterposed between the anamorphic lens group and the corrective lensgroup.
 36. The digital camera of claim 30, wherein the corrective lensincludes at least one of a toroidal lens element and an anti-aliasingfeature.
 37. A method for improving the quality of an image as capturedby digital camera comprising: compressing an image by use of ananamorphic lens group; and passing the compressed image to a correctivelens group configured to improve the quality of the image as captured bythe digital camera.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the digitalcamera includes a digital image sensor, and the quality of the image isimproved as captured by the digital image sensor.
 39. The method ofclaim 37, wherein during the step of compressing, the anamorphic lens isconfigured to compress the image by a squeeze ratio between about 1.25to 1.8.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein during the step of passing,the quality of the compressed image is improved in a dimension ofcompression.